Retina South Africa Names Dalya Vosloo-Sacks 2026 Volunteer of the Year

It is with great pleasure that Retina South Africa presents the 2026 Volunteer of the Year Award to Dalya Vosloo-Sacks, in recognition of her exceptional commitment, unwavering generosity and outstanding contribution to our organisation over the past five years.

A driving force behind Swing for Sight

Since the inception of the Dis-Chem Foundation and Retina South Africa’s annual Swing for Sight Golf Day, Dalya has been an integral part of its success. What began as a fundraising event in 2022 has grown into one of Retina South Africa’s flagship initiatives, raising in excess of R1.2 million to support people living with retinal degenerative conditions. Behind that success is someone who has consistently chosen to serve with humility, professionalism and heart.

A personal connection, turned into action

Dalya’s connection to Retina South Africa is deeply personal. Having a niece affected by a retinal condition, she understands the life-changing impact of vision loss and has transformed that personal connection into meaningful action. She has generously dedicated her time, expertise and influence, never expecting recognition or anything in return.

 

Working in close partnership with Retina South Africa’s Events Manager, Linsay Engelbrecht, Dalya has played a significant role in shaping and growing the Swing for Sight Golf Day. Together, they have worked tirelessly to build meaningful partnerships, enhance the event year after year and maximise its fundraising potential, always with the shared goal of creating greater opportunities for Retina South Africa and the people it serves.

 

Milestones that speak for themselves

Dalya has been instrumental in securing several of the event’s most significant milestones. Through her trusted relationships and professional approach, she helped secure approval for Retina South Africa to utilise both the East and West Courses at the Royal Johannesburg Golf Club in 2025, significantly expanding the event. As a direct result of the outstanding reputation the event has earned, the Club approved Retina South Africa’s request for all 36 holes to be offered as manned sponsorship holes for the 2026 event, creating valuable new sponsorship opportunities and increasing the event’s fundraising potential.

 

For the past three consecutive years, Dalya has also successfully renewed the sponsorship that ensures every golfer receives a professionally branded event golf shirt. Her ability to nurture lasting relationships and inspire continued support has elevated both the participant experience and the profile of Swing for Sight.

 

As the event continues to evolve, including the exciting addition of a padel tournament in 2026 in pursuit of an ambitious R1 million fundraising goal, Dalya has remained a trusted sounding board, generously giving her time to planning meetings, sharing ideas and helping ensure every detail contributes to the event’s continued success.

 

More than professionalism

Those who know Dalya speak not only of her professionalism, but of the genuine warmth she brings to everything she does. She is kind, approachable and endlessly supportive. She faces every challenge with a positive attitude, quietly goes the extra mile without ever seeking recognition, and has an exceptional ability to bring people together around a common purpose. Her commitment is not measured by the recognition she receives, but by the countless ways she makes a difference behind the scenes.

 

Dalya exemplifies the very essence of volunteerism, giving her time, skills and heart simply because she believes in making a difference.

 

Congratulations, Dalya

For her outstanding service, exceptional commitment and lasting impact, Retina South Africa is proud to recognise Dalya Vosloo-Sacks as the recipient of the 2026 Volunteer of the Year Award.

 

Congratulations, Dalya, and thank you for your extraordinary dedication, generosity and unwavering support of Retina South Africa.